Emilie Johnson: A Great Example

Jul 20, 2009

Freshman has become one of the Gauchos' leaders

Emilie
Johnson is a
Great Example.

UCSB student-athletes are a special group of young men and women
who also serve as great role models to the many fans and youth that
support them in sports and in everyday life. Each day more than 450
UCSB student-athletes compete in the classroom, compete in their
respective sport and give back to the community. This week's Great
Example is women's basketball player, Emilie
Johnson. A native of Loomis, California, Johnson is working
towards a major in psychology with a minor in exercise and health
science. Johnson's sense of work ethic, leadership, and
contributions to the community has highlighted her as standout in
the Gaucho community.

Described by her coach Lindsay Gottlieb as a "total team player and tireless
worker," Johnson has become one of just three true freshmen to open
her college career at UCSB as point guard over the past decade. She
was named to the All-Big West Freshman Team after an outstanding
season where she played in all 32 of the Gauchos' games and made
all but two free throws the entire season, setting a school record.
She ranked third in the Big West in 3-point field goal
percentage.

"In all my years of coaching, I don't know that I've come across
a player that is more dedicated to making herself a better player
day in and day out," Gottlieb said. "Off the court, Emilie is
someone that you would want your daughter to look up to. She is a
terrific student, studies hard, and posted a 3.9 GPA last
quarter."

During the Jesusita Fire, in Santa Barbara this past May, the
Thunderdome was turned into a temporary Red Cross center. In
addition to balancing her studies with basketball, Emilie
independently signed up to be a Red Cross volunteer to assist the
evacuees.

Johnson took some time to answer a few questions about
herself.

1. Are there any mottos that you live by? I live by many but two
that stand out are "Make everyday your masterpiece" - John Wooden
or "There are many things that are essential to arriving at true
piece of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot
be acquired without prayer." - John Wooden

2. If you could only pick one I.V restaurant to eat at, which
one would you pick? Only one restaurant. It would have to be
Silvergreens.

3. What do you like to do in your free time? I love to do
outdoor activities such as, biking, hiking, or kayaking. My most
recent adventure is backpacking in Tahoe.

4. Do you have any pre-game rituals? Just get all my warm-up
shots in so I feel mentally ready for game time.

5. What has been your favorite class at UCSB so far? It would
have to be my Anatomy class I took last Spring Quarter.

6. What is one thing about you most people don't know? I had to
wear leg braces as a baby because the doctors believed I would
never be able to run.

7. If you couldn't play basketball, what other sport would you
want to play? If I couldn't play basketball I would snowboard since
I don't have the time to go now with basketball season in the
winter.

8. What is your favorite part about Gaucho basketball? The
community support. I love the blue and gold that follows us on the
road and support us every game.

9. What is the most embarrassing moment in your basketball
career? Falling over my feet during warm-ups in front of a very
large crowd. I guess I was nervous.

10. If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be and
why? Jesus Christ because He has the true power of faith.

11. If you could have any super power what would it be and why?
Have lightning quick speed so I can travel around the world and see
every special place in the world.

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go
and why? The top of Mount Everest because it's the highest place in
the world.

13. What are your dreams after college? I have many dreams but
one that comes to mind is to have a job that I can make a
difference in other people's lives through what I do.

14. What are your interests outside of basketball? Relaxing with
family, friends, and my dogs.

15. What is your biggest challenge mentally or physically in
basketball, and how do you overcome it? Sometimes I want to win and
succeed so bad I forget why I am playing the game and I think too
much instead of just having fun.

16. What are your career aspirations? Career aspirations would
be to coach college basketball or do something with sports
psychology.

17. What is the best thing about attending UCSB and being a
Gaucho? The entire package of the education, the beach, and the
athletic program.